It may sound a bit out of track, but unlike old days when it was considered shameful to be wearing Laura Ashley, the times have changed. So much so that the firm has claimed that it has seen profit during Christmas season.

Moreover, it has also announced that the figure is going to be much higher than expected. And soon after the announcement the shares of the company soared by as much as 20 per cent.

For the company that is mostly into the floral prints, this is nothing less than a miracle since during the Christmas time most of the other big name retailers have shown losses.

Laura Ashley stores are like a walk into the old days. They are filled with designs and costumes which seem to have come all the way from the time when Welsh designer began her work by making scarf and tea towels in her little attic flat.

Since then, fashion has become very fast paced and none of the big Hollywood stars seem to be interested in wearing Ashley designs. But the whole reason behind the profit is that only 25 per cent of Laura Ashley sales come from fashion makes. Most of it is because of other businesses like home furnishings. It has become hugely popular with time.